Application Case · high-performance engineering plastics

Medical Autoclave Sterilization Tray — PPSU vs PC

Hospital sterilization service moved from polycarbonate trays to PPSU after 6-month brittleness test.

The Problem with PC

Polycarbonate trays in hospital sterile processing departments typically crack after 200 – 400 autoclave cycles. Replacement cost is significant, and a cracked tray dropped during transport can scatter sterile instruments — a compliance event.

PPSU Solution

PPSU (PolyPhenylSulfone) survives 1000+ autoclave cycles at 134 °C / 18 min without crazing or significant strength loss. Cost is ~3 – 4× polycarbonate but lifecycle cost drops ~60 % when factoring in replacement frequency.

Spec for Tray Manufacturers

PPSU sheet 6 – 10 mm thick (typical tray base)
Natural amber color (translucent — staff can see contents)
Standard sheet 1000 × 600 mm — yields 2 – 4 trays per sheet depending on size
FDA-compliant grade as standard (we can also supply USP Class VI on request)

Machining

PPSU machines easily — slow speeds, sharp tools, no coolant required. Drilled holes for instrument retention pins are typical. Edge polishing improves cycle life by removing notch initiation sites.

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